Cambridge's extremely popular Parkside Community College has reclaimed its outstanding Ofsted score, a new report has revealed.

This marks a step up from a previous inspection, in which the school was marked as ‘good’.

Inspectors visited the school on March 22 and 23 this year, marking the school ‘outstanding’ in:

Effectiveness of leadership and management

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment

Personal development, behaviour and welfare

Outcomes for pupils

The school was ranked ‘good’ in its 16 to 19 study programmes, with inspectors stating: “The school needs to continue to improve the progress of students in the sixth form, so that they reach the outstanding levels of progress secured by pupils from different starting points in other key stages in the school.”

Ofsted inspectors also said the school’s headteacher, governors and senior leaders demonstrate “an unwavering commitment” to securing the best possible outcomes for all pupils.

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“Teachers know their pupils well. The very good working relationships they establish with their pupils make an important contribution to the positive attitudes to learning seen in the school.”

Inspectors also noted that senior leaders have an “incisive and accurate view” of the strengths and weaknesses of the school’s performance – and therefore improvement planning is swift and effective.

At the school, a “broad and balanced curriculum” combines with a carefully considered programme of enrichment to ensure that pupils develop strong spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness during their time in the school.

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The report added: “Pupils behave well and enjoy coming to school. High expectations of pupils’ personal development and conduct, alongside academic performance, are well promoted by staff at all levels.

“The leadership of safeguarding in the school is vigilant and well embedded in an open culture that is committed to keeping pupils safe.

“The effectiveness of the implementation of 16 to 19 study programmes is good. Progress in the sixth form is not yet as strong as it is for pupils at the end of key stage 4.”

Jodh Dhesi, head teacher at Parkside Community College

In a letter to parents of the school sent today (April 28), attaching the new Ofsted report, school headteacher Jodh Dhesi said: “It is our pleasure to send you the final report of the Ofsted inspection that took place last month.

“We are pleased that the hard work of students, staff and families over the years has been recognised in this way. We do believe that Parkside is an inclusive school with high expectations where students are happy, safe and thriving.